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Mr Parijat Bhattacharjee, Private Consultant Gynaecologist, Harrow, Brentford, Northwood, London, UK / Media / Videos » Basic Fertility Tips

Basic Fertility Tips

Basic Fertility Tips
Posted on: 03-Jul-2026

This video, titled "Basic Fertility Tips" by Gynae Consultant, reviews the general probabilities of natural conception and details the foundational advice recommended by the British Fertility Society (BFS) for couples trying to conceive.

Conception Rates and Timeline

  • The Baseline: Humans have a relatively low natural fertility rate, with only about a 6% chance of conceiving in a single normal menstrual cycle.
  • The Timeline: Despite this low monthly probability, 20% to 30% of low-risk couples (under 40 years of age with no obvious risk factors) conceive within the first two to three months of trying. This rises to over 80% within the first year, and about 90% by the second year.

Key Lifestyle Recommendations

Weight and BMI

  • An ideal Body Mass Index (BMI) ranges between 19 and 25.
  • Low BMI: A BMI below 19 can be detrimental and delay conception, requiring weight gain.
  • High BMI: A high BMI also delays fertility, particularly for those with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Managing weight through a plant-based, fiber-rich diet and regular exercise is highly beneficial.

Substances to Avoid or Limit

  • Smoking: Highly detrimental for both male and female partners; complete cessation is strongly advised.
  • Alcohol: Ideally avoided completely when trying to conceive and during pregnancy. If consumed, it should be limited to no more than 1 to 2 units per week for women and 2 to 4 units per week for men.
  • Caffeine: High doses can be harmful. Women are advised to limit consumption to 1 or 2 cups of coffee per day.

Supplements and Medical Optimization

  • Folic Acid: A daily dose of 400 micrograms (0.4 mg) is standard to prevent neural tube defects (spinal cord problems) in the baby. Women taking specific medications, such as anti-epileptic drugs, require a higher prescribed dose of 5 mg.
  • Pre-Existing Conditions: Anyone with chronic conditions like diabetes, thyroid issues, high blood pressure, kidney disease, or epilepsy should see a GP before trying to conceive. This allows doctors to optimize the medical condition and safely swap out any medications that could cause complications during pregnancy.

Timing and Intercourse Myths

  • Frequency: The recommendation is to have regular, unprotected intercourse roughly twice a week. Long periods of abstinence do not improve sperm count or quality; instead, it can negatively impact sperm count and motility.
  • The Fertile Window: The fertile period spans a 6-day window, consisting of the 5 days leading up to ovulation and the day of ovulation itself. While ovulation kits (tracking temperature, cervical mucus, or hormones) can identify this window, they can also cause unnecessary anxiety, stress, and expense.
  • Common Myths: Specific intercourse positions, female orgasm, or resting in bed after intercourse have no proven medical impact on increasing fertility rates.